PTP at the UN

Local Students Use Their Voices to Advocate for Peace, Justice

A contingent of students from schools from around the Diocese participate in the Day of Peace held in September at the United Nations. Theresa Shubeck photo

On the eve of this Fall’s United Nations General Assembly, when world leaders would gather to discuss such critical issues as war, climate change and the pandemic, some 700 students from around the globe gathered to participate in the International Day of Peace Youth Observance: End Racism. Build Peace.

Among them was a contingent of students from Catholic schools in the Diocese of Trenton who had ferried to midtown Manhattan early on that September 16 morning.  Their participation in the Day of Peace was part of their involvement in the Pathways to Peace program that first emerged locally out of a now-shuttered independent school, Mater Dei Prep in Middletown. The lessons and skills learned in that program – such as effective communication, leadership and collaboration, tolerance and respect for others, and conflict resolution – have been carried by the youthful participants, referred to as Global Leaders, into their new Catholic schools and their communities where they believe they are called to do their part to build a better world.

Affiliation with the program was facilitated by Pathways to Peace UN representative George Anthony, who trained and advised the students in Mater Dei and St. Mary School in Middletown and now has championed them as they moved to different schools, including Red Bank Catholic High School in Red Bank and St. John Vianney High School in Holmdel.  The results of these efforts are reflected in the conviction, composure and optimistic vision demonstrated by the Global Leaders who took part in the Day of Peace and who strive to bring their hopeful initiative to other arenas of their lives.

LEADING THE WAY

Take for instance Global Leader Emma DeBiase, a Red Bank Catholic senior, who was recently bestowed the Exceptional Young Woman of Peace Award sponsored by Pathways to Peace. She shared with The Monitor at the UN, “We are the generation that can change the world.” Emma is working to start a student group called “Peace Talks,” setting her sights on it becoming a podcast to engage individuals to share their thoughts, emotions and strategies on peace or a better world.

And there is Mia Rodriguez, a senior at St. John Vianney High School, Holmdel, who gave an address before the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres regarding the role of youth today in shaping peace in our world. From the UN’s Economic and Social Council Chamber, Mia stated: “I am standing before the United Nations today to show that it is possible to use your voice to create change, even in your youth…it takes courage to create change.  Most of the justice served in our world is because someone had to be bold and speak their truth even if what they were saying was difficult to hear.”

Mia’s call to action is intended for every person regardless of their place in this world.  In her address, she proclaimed: “We must work across generations, cultures, ethnicities and faith traditions. Together we can work towards peace and be the change we wish to see in the world.”

It is both the development of leadership skills and service opportunities that have attracted Red Bank Catholic High School administration to institute the Global Leaders program. As principal Karen Falco described, “Service is an enormous part of Red Bank Catholic. We have always stressed that Catholic means universal.  The UN is another universal body in action.  Student enthusiasm and commitment has driven our school’s interest in implementing this program.”

Presentations by students from around the world at the UN’s youth day gave witness to the credibility of matching action with values. A California high schooler widened the lens on history by highlighting the internment of Japanese civilians in the 1940s. Students from Westchester County (New York), whose relatives died in concentration camps, encouraged their peers to never forget the Holocaust and its threat to religious freedom.  A teen from Malaysia pointed to ways that individuals of different races collaborated to change discriminatory practices. A student from the Bronx documented the higher rate of food insecurity in his community versus the other four boroughs of NYC.

These presentations inspired students to see the world through a new perspective.  As St. John Vianney senior Cathrine Volk described, “Many things we don’t think of as discriminatory, we realize really are. It is important to learn about that in history class so when we go out into the world, working in business or other professions, we do so with that understanding.”

SEEDS OF CHANGE

St. Mary School students who have been involved in Anthony’s program are referred to as Emerging Global Leaders.  They assume a formal role as student ambassadors in their school and are acknowledged for their peacemaking efforts by their peers and administrators.

St. Mary eighth grader Michael O’Neal said that among kids his age, “Bullying is a big problem especially with the color of your skin and different races, and it has to stop.”

School counselor Katie Anderson looks to the ambassadors to set the tone for anti-bullying, and credits them with promoting an atmosphere of acceptance and support.  She stated, “They are the examples for the school.”

Anderson feels that when these ambassadors from SMS visit the United Nations, there is tremendous value in their exposure to other countries and different cultures. The ambassadors’ goals can then align with the goals of the UN.

Lila Kaminoff shared her impressions of the day that she planned to bring back to SMS: “A big takeaway for me is that there are so many different ethnicities and races, and people can come together without any issues.  No one was judging each other.”

Anthony Bennett was encouraged by the day, remarking, “People came together. They have more in common than different.”

Luca DeVito was impressed with action plans and impact, sharing that “I liked how everyone got up and talked about how to fix things.”

Likewise, Kyle Evans stressed how students can learn from each other, “We can implement good ideas from others. I was impressed that people from different groups all around the world shared their opinions about how we can be at peace.”

CATHOLIC CONNECTION

Mia Rodriquez’s role as a Global Leader makes perfect sense to her parents, who acknowledge that their Catholic faith is central in their lives. Jason and Thannya Rodriquez state, “God is a big part of every decision we make as a family.  Everything we have, or hope to have, is through God and of God.  Our daughter has strengthened our faith in God.”

For Anthony, working with young people in the Global Leaders program is a unique experience that ties in well with their Catholic faith.  He stated, “We learn together through young people.  We all become part of something larger than ourselves.”

He reinforces for the students, “You can’t do it alone. You need to make Jesus a big part of that equation. When you work with other people and are passionate, you can create something powerful and positive that you can give back to the world.”

For further information about the Pathways to Peace program, reach out to Anthony at [email protected].

High-level Forum on “The Africa We Want in 2030, 2063 and Beyond: Early Action and Results of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, in the context of the First Ten-Year Implementation Plan of Africa’s Transformative Agenda 2063: Opportunities

Author: Libby MacDuffee, Representing the Fyera Foundation

Notes:

  • Roundtable 1 on “Pharmaceutical manufacturing, energy, and productive capacity development as entry points to Africa’s recovery”
  • Roundtable 2 on “Preparing for COP27 – an “African COP”
  • Roundtable 3 on “Domestic resource mobilization, innovative financing and global partnerships for recovery and progress on the SDGs and Agenda 2063”.

(NOTE: The Opening Remarks and Roundtables began to blend together, so some notes are in order of presentation and others are combinations of items that speakers said and repeated as main points throughout).

Opening Statements & Early Speakers from NGO’s and Nation States:

  • All speakers focused on the disproportionate impact of climate change on Africa (contributes 3-4% of carbon emissions, but is subject to about 17% of the impact), and other developing nations, vs the small contribution they have made to global warming and carbon emissions.
  • Many referred back to the meeting in Glasgow earlier this year, which appears to have fallen short of meeting the hopes and goals, and they emphasized the importance of moving from the “development” of solutions to the actual “implementation” of them.
  • Many comments were directed at the hopes for implementations that can be accomplished before, and during, COP 27 in September, 2022, which is being held in Egypt (part of Africa).
  • Praise for the 21 African countries who have presented VNRs already.

Areas of Concern mentioned by almost all speakers in first 2 Roundtables:

  1. While there were prior conditions that created issues in Africa, now climate change, Covid 19 and the war in Ukraine have impacted the continent and caused huge setbacks, and in some cases have reversed recent gains, in the critical areas listed below (with the notable exception of the opinion of the speaker from Russia who said that the war in Ukraine has not contributed to these issues, rather the US illegal sanctions are the cause):
    • Food & water security
    • Poverty
    • Unemployment
    • Lack of access to healthcare
    • Lack of access to energy / electricity and internet – ½ of the continent has no electricity access. Need to focus on sustainable sources of energy w/o reliance on oil and gas (with the notable exception of the speaker from Saudi Arabia who proposed that all forms of energy be utilized, including “low carbon” oil and gas).
    • Financial resources:
      • Commitments made for funding have not been honored by many countries and they need to follow through.
      • There is a huge need for a fairer system for determining interest rates for Africa, based on Africa’s actual ability to pay back, as well as an increase in ability to tap into banks and access other loans.
      • Enhanced accessibility to timely financing.
    • There is a lack of Infrastructure to implement changes.
    • Disproportionate impact on women and youth (70% of the population): empowerment, inclusion and support – women and youth are an untapped resource.
    • Conflicts within African nations and terrorism – forced migration.
    • Weak tax administration – proper taxation would garner more internal revenue.
    • Governmental corruption.
    • Corruption and mismanagement of funds within African countries.
    • Lack of partnerships, collaboration and need for more financing ($3 Trillion needed to implement).
    • Agriculture and irrigation.

Strategies:

  1. Women and youth, who are disproportionately impacted, should be a main focus in the efforts to empower: participation, education and support is critical.
  2. Turn the triple threats of Covid, Ukraine war and Climate Change into opportunities by:
    • Building effective policies for inclusive economies.
    • Establishing infrastructure.
    • Providing accessible education, especially STEM skills.
    • Achieving sustainable energy by using renewable sources with efficient internal management, contributions, and foreign investment.
    • Need a massive focus on green energy development.
    • Need financing for immediate relief due to Covid & war in Ukraine – recognize special needs of Africa: Favorable risk analyses, global accountability, equity, financing for adaptation AND loss & damage, anchoring subsidies in renewable energies rather than fossil fuels.
    • Open access to new markets.
    • Accelerate free trade.
    • Build fair and sustainable internal production and manufacturing.
    • Harness their energy & innovation
  3. Three areas of focus: Adaptation, Mitigation AND Loss and Damage (immediate remediation) goal to reach level of Resilience.
  4. Halt deforestation
  5. Collaboration within and outside Africa, including non-state actors, civil society, NGOs, activists and governments.
  6. Need “just” transitional sustainable pathways with different timelines for developing countries.
  7. Unlock Africa’s natural resources.

Updates on progress made:

  1. Many small advances and impacts have been made, but sadly some of those have moved backwards since Covid and the start of the Ukraine war. This is why there is a call for stepping up “Loss & Damage” assistance for immediate relief. For example: 43 M people have fallen back below the poverty line since 2020 due to lack of jobs, resources, and Covid and other illnesses.
  2. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported very good progress on their initiatives in Africa. They have enhanced the detection of Zoinotic diseases, early detection of cancer, radiologic treatments, and soil and water management through an ”atomic energy plastics initiative”.
  3. The Central African Republic Youth Project has established Youth charters – that map out ways for youth to be meaningfully involved and empowered in their personal and country-wide development.
  4. Global Director for World Bank: Every focus includes climate focus. Sustainability requires international cooperation, renewable energy and financing are becoming “easier” already.
  5. Morocco: Has intensified efforts and created “Great Green Wall” initiatives.
  6. European Investment Bank (owned and operated by 27 European member states): Specialized focus on establishment of global DIB (?) to respond quickly to delivery of resources. They established the first one of these already in Africa. Companies can continue to access financing ex: Vaccines sent to Ruwanda and South Africa.
  7. Russia expressed commitment to Africa re: climate change, and said Africans need to do this themselves. Need to build infrastructure. Russia has established solar plants in Madagascar and is providing fertilizer.
  8. India: We need a net minus goal for climate change to balance developing countries who cannot catch up. India has already achieved their goals 10 years early by immediately implementing effective clean energy remediation measures.
  9. World Food Program: 345 M people in 82 countries are in poverty = 10x more than 5 years ago. Causes : Climate crisis, Covid & war in Ukraine. The 3 Cs:
    • Conflict
    • Cost
    • Climate
      • Sixteen of the countries globally, that have the lowest resilience, are in Africa. We need to strengthen resilience and growth. The WFP is on the ground in collaboration with these countries.
  1. Pakistan: Economies are devastated by pandemic and we must turn to action.
    • Climate finance: Developed countries must immediately fulfill their commitments.
    • There will be a need for increased financing, beyond current commitments, due to backsliding from the 3 C’s.
  2. Italy: Remove obstacles to recognizing Africa’s significant resources. Focus on youth activism, and Italy, along with others have some of these initiatives in play.
  3. Ethiopia calls a collective effort to address poverty and a fair share of financing.
  4. Denmark supports Africa in its disproportionate needs and reiterated that the war in Ukraine HAS impacted SDGs negatively and slowed any progress. They expect to contribute 1% of their GDP, way above required share, and encourage others to do the same because of the enhanced need.
  5. Djibouti: Need investment NOW. They cannot wait for the reduction of emissions goals to be reached. They are taking responsibility and hope others will see Africa not as asking for charity, but offering a good investment opportunity. Collaborating with partners now and would welcome more.
  6. Zambia: Gave an update on some progress.
  7. Cote D’Ivoire: Investing and looking for partners in eco-based solutions. Another call for people to meet their prior commitments.
  8. International Center for Ethno Religious Mediation: Focuses on commonalities instead of differences. Maintaining the earth inspires personal development as well as social and economic development. Need resolution of ethnic conflicts.
  9. UK: Calls for a just energy transition through partnerships. Committed 1 M lbs. to Africa (in addition to original commitment?).
  10. Ghana: Adaptation calls for 1.5% funding and then there is more needed for loss and damage. IPCC needs to develop a special report doubling contributions needed by 2025 from developed countries. Need more access to affordable financing.
  11. Divert International asked: Why do most people in Africa lack electricity? What has prevented from prioritizing solar? Waste – it is prolific throughout Africa. We have the resources and technology, but no uncorrupted management of resources.
  12. ICPap: Has developed and early warning system video for drought, crop destruction, etc. throughout Africa.

Last Roundtable

What are the constraints for Africa?

  • Too narrow a tax base
  • Structural concerns (?)

Challenges & Best Practices – Mobilizing Domestic Resources for SDGs

  1. Ruwanda – Claver Gatete: IMF originally encouraged Ruwanda to use a high tax rate after the genocide, but they decided to have a lower tax rate, put more people to work and encourage internal and external investment. Now 84% of country’s needs are financed domestic resources. They have attained economic stability, productivity and fiscal balance. Government resources are now an incentive for private sector investment. Must start with a productive tax base.
  2. Peace Building Commission: Encourages national ownership (group of member states) to advance peace building. OACDC – double impact and cost effective. Peace is economic security. Peace building and prevention are intertwined with all the SDGs.
  3. UNDP (development program) Ahunna Eziakonwa (speaker):
    • Pandemic has highlighted the importance of global responsibility.
    • We do not need philanthropy, but investment in our connected sustainability.
    • Need to build resilience so that shocks do not devastate – lessen impact.
    • Suggested: “Tax Inspectors without Borders”.
    • Need for Green climate investment in low emission & sustainable solutions w/o increasing debt burden.
    • “De-risk” currently “non-bankable” projects. Need for concessional financing – we must open the doors.
    • Suggestion: Climate dedicated financial institute.
    • Shore up existing organizations and partner with new ones
    • Encouraged green bonds, blue bonds and sustainable development bonds.
    • They have 78 projects currently underway.
  4. Botswana: Ask for regional and global centers for research and care of AIDS and other prominent healthcare issue. SARS & Covid global partnerships needed.
  5. The African Group: Speaker from Eritrea: Peace and security are all intricately connected to the 17 SDGs. Call to preserve their 2nd largest carbon sink.
  6. Portugal – PBC – Portugal Bank (?): Affecting the middle class not just the poverty stricken. It is difficult to send kids back to school and provide lunch and supplies. Need debt restructuring!
  7. China: We should place African countries at the forefront. “Will forgive Africa’s outstanding debt to contribute to peace and development.” Note: Did I hear this correctly? There was no response from other members, but I found this stunning while surmising that it may be to China’s advantage to do this in terms of gaining favorable terms and access to Africa’s resources.
  8. IMF: They have just initiated a “Bright Lights” project with a mission of what they call the “High Fives” – Feed Africa, Improve quality of life, Light up Africa, Tap into local resource & Build Infrastructure. Local governments are critical to this.

NOTE: Many other countries spoke (but not the US), but they were very repetitive of needs and possible solutions.

 

Conclusion: The Secretary General of the UN ended the conference with a strong call to ACTION.

Mater Dei Prep Global Leaders leading the way!

March proved to be a busy month in the business of peacebuilding.  The Mater Dei Prep Global Leaders Program continues to play a leadership role in Human/Civil Right dialogue and Global action planning. Through our partnerships with UN NGO Pathways To Peace, The Gandhi King Season for Non-Violence and The World Affairs Council, student voices are recognized both locally and globally!

L-R Eleanor Donahue, Gabriella Graham, Isabella Vargas and Margaret Fisher

Margaret Fisher, Gigi Grahams, Eleanor Donahue, and Isabella Vargas represented Mater Dei Prep at The World Quest Academic Tournament held at Seton Hall University. https://www.wacnj.org/ Parent Paul Fisher assisted in a Leadership role.

Eleanor Donohue MDP 23 stated “The Academic Tournament supported by The New Jersey World Affairs Council was an enriching experience for myself and the team. Last year was virtual so we were very eager to go in person this year. The competition was a lot of fun, and although we didn’t win, we’re looking forward to going back next year and taking home the gold.”  Gabriella Graham reflected “Competing alongside my classmates and friends for the second year in a row was extremely exciting. I had learned more about the world through the topics I had studied, Where Climate and Migration Meet, and Current Events. We were competing against the same teams from last year, which was amazing to see! Even though we had not won this year, we have achieved a lot together through the past two years. I am looking forward to competing again next year and I cannot wait for the chance to be in person again, hopefully taking the top 3!” Margaret Fisher MDP 23 “The Academic World Quest, this Saturday, March 19th, was an enriching experience. Although we did not win, I feel that we learned a lot about the topics we were asked about, and even strategies to use for next year’s competition. I am very proud of myself, and my teammates and I think that we did well. I can’t wait for next year!”

Mater Dei Prep Global Leaders Institute played a significant role at The United Nations sixty-sixth session of the Commission on the Status of Women during the week of March 14 to 25 March 2022. Representatives of Member States, UN entities, and ECOSOC-accredited non-governmental organizations (NGOs) from all regions of the world are invited to contribute to the session.

Students Emma DeBiase, Isabella Vargas and Elizabeth Bertsch were selected to present and moderate at global workshop in partnership with UN NGO Pathways To Peace, led by Ex Director Tezikiah Gabriel on March 16th titled “Education of Woman and Girls on Climate Change” You can view the workshop here https://youtu.be/QA1wrv7QXGs

The workshop also featured students  Bella Shi, Margaret Fisher, Gerard Novello, MDP Alumni and UN Youth Representative Elizabeth Sheridan and George Anthony Director of The Global Leaders Institute as well as speakers and participants from around the world. Isabella Vargas summed up her experience “When I think back on the night of March 16th, I think of a night that was so extraordinary I will never forget it. I had felt anticipation for weeks leading up to that night. Because, that night from 6pm-8pm I was given the opportunity to present a 2-hour parallel event at the United Nations’ Conference of CSW 66. My two colleagues Emma DeBiase ‘23 and Elizabeth Bertsch ‘22, presented on the importance of Education of Women on Climate Change. Our presentation was coupled with wonderful speakers from our very own Mater Dei Prep, Elizabeth Sheridan (UN Representative and Alumni), Mr. Anthony (Director of the Global Leaders Program and UN Representative), and finally Peace for People a peacebuilding and educational organization in Nepal. I am immensely grateful for the window of being able to speak to a global audience at only seventeen years old about something I, and so many other youths around the world, are passionate about. This would not be possible without the support of Pathways to Peace, the Global Leaders program at Mater Dei Prep, Mr. Anthony and Tezikiah Gabreil (Executive Director of Pathways to Peace). It made the event even more profound to know Mr. Anthony and Tez were watching and supporting us there physically on our Zoom call, along with guests from everywhere from Mexico, the United Kingdom, Nepal, Brazil and Australia. The praise we received at our presentation has left an impact on me, and will stay with me as I grow older and continue to educate and spread peace.” – Isabella Vargas, Class of 2023

Workshop Facilitator Emma DeBiase ’23 stated

“When I was working on this presentation, I was nervous about making a statement, and having an impact on the world. Once I started talking, I was in my element, and I loved it. I can’t thank Pathways To Peace Ex Director Tezikiah Gabriel and Mr. George Anthony enough for the opportunity to present on such a global level. I look forward to continuing my work with the United Nations through next year!” 

Margaret Fisher who spoke during this workshop stated “Climate Change is a very important topic in our world today, and I am very grateful to Emma, Isabella, and Elizabeth for giving me the opportunity to share my opinion on it. I believe that educating women and children on climate change will do a lot for our world, and I think that it is important that people like Emma, Isabella, and Elizabeth create these workshops that inspire people to learn and teach others.”

On March 19th, 2022  MDP students Cathrine Volk 24 and Abigail O’Sullivan MDP24 led a workshop titled “The Domestic Burden on Girls and its Impact on their Education.”

View workshop below.

Cathrine reflects back “Our workshop at the Commission on the Status of Women; The Domestic Burden on Girls and its Impact on their Education. This event was supported by Pathways to Peace and the Mater Dei Prep Global Leaders program.

Our idea originated from our own experience and those of girls we knew personally and had heard about online or in the news. I am the oldest girl in my intermediate and extended family, I am used to talking care of my siters and cousins. I have experience how that impacts my mental health and education, especially over the pandemic.

We started our workshop with a presentation created by our own experiences and research we had done into the lives or girls and women around the world. We learned how these women and so many others are affected by the domestic burden. We also learned and presented solutions such as on-campus childcare and time flexible education.

We were fortunate to have a group of phenomenal speakers. Bethsy Lima and Carolynn Wildrick, students at Mater Dei Prep, spoke about their lives as teenagers during the pandemic and with online education. Betsy spoke about her experience working during the pandemic and the pressure to get up with school and a job. Bethsy reflects “My role in speaking out for those that were affected educationally and mentally felt big. I felt nervous because I didn’t want to leave out anything that people could also go through. Yet, I did. I forgot about a time where one’s mental health also affects those around them. After stressing on how long the pandemic could last and how long it would take to get the jobs, we had back to help our families. After so much stress on how to bills and school were going to be paid; the whole family became depressed. Everyone gave up on hope, faith, and each other. Till one person finally comes and helps realize that you got to keep moving in order to succeed. You’re never fully prepared for the obstacles that are thrown to you. Even when it feels like the struggle will never end, you got to keep your head up”

Carolynn shared her life as the daughter of a single mother and how the pandemic allowed them to be brought closer together.

Our other speakers and panel consisted of; MDP Alumni Mary Verange, a 5th college student studying to become a social worker, Marlenis Rosa UN Representative a CSW presenter and a family service specialist, Tezikiah Gabriel, Director of Pathways to Peace, and Kimberly Weichel a Professor at the Lifelong Learning Institute at American University with a background working with women and girls around the world.

They each spoke about their own experience with the domestic burden during their lives and well as their work with women and girls in their local, national, and global communities. I learned about women’s issues that I have never heard of before.

I also was able to hear about the innovative and impactful ways these women are helping others and effective real change in the world.

We asked our panelists questions submitted to us by Mater Dei Prep Global Leaders students, ranging from how they have seen the domestic burden change throughout their lives, to helping women access contraception, and protecting sex workers. I am grateful for the opportunity to hear their responses and perspective about these issues

I am incredibly proud of our presentation, speakers, and all those who worked to make this event possible. I believe we used our voice and were able to share our message with people who will take it to make change in their communities.

March also saw the Global Leaders take a leadership role in presenting the 25TH Season for Non-Violence Conference led by Lindy Crescitelli and Shawn Landry. https://gandhikingsfn.com

If interested in attending the April 4 Conference, please register here

Mr. Anthony served as a Co-Chair to this Conference for many years. Students Emma Debiase serves as a technical coordinator and student moderator. Abigail O’Sullivan, Cathrine Volk continued in their roles as student speakers and Liam Lugay also is playing a prominent role as a student leader and presenter. This Conference brings together Human and Civil Rights leaders from our local area including Pastor Kerwin Webb Asbury Park, Rabbi Marc Kline -Shrewsbury Reform Temple, Angeline Butler Professor at John Jay and Civil Rights Organizer working closely with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr and John Lewis.

The Season for Non-Violence Conference is presented over two conference dates.  March 21st is a Inter Religious gathering bring together Inter Faith bridge builders and April 4th as the culmination Conference for the Gandhi King Season for Non-Violence. This conference will feature The Mater Dei Prep Chorus singing “Let There Be Peace on Earth” and “Pride -In the Name of Love” Students in the Chorus were led by New Jersey Musician and UN Representative Ray “Mr Ray” Andersen and MDP award winning educator Cindy Dwyer.

George Anthony who directs the Global Leaders program and serves as a United Nations Primary Representative for UN NGO Pathways To Peace states “Where most schools incorporate Model UN Programs, we raise the bar by providing opportunities to engage the United Nations and provide opportunities that follow our students far into their lives. Many of our Alumni have continued promoting their programs they developed at Mater Dei at The United Nations and with partner NGO’S. Some have taken positions at The UN. The program succeeds when students continue to take ownership of their voices, their talents and their dedication to building a better world. The past month students have also been preparing their own workshops on anti-bullying strategies, social media concerns and effective leadership to bring into the classrooms of area sender and middle schools. These workshops will be presented on the school campus and virtual utilizing the Zoom platform. Peacebuilding is a work in progress and The Mater Dei Global Institute continues to lead the way through action and solution-driven strategies. Always more to do and do we will. For additional information please reach out to GeorgeAnthony at [email protected] or visit: https://www.materdeiprep.org/apps/pages/globalleaders

Prioritizing Peace: Middletown Global Leaders pay tribute to mentor, civil rights figures

Full Article link

Students of the Mater Dei Prep Global Leaders program gathered Feb. 15 with representatives of the Pathways to Peace United Nations in Mater Dei Prep High School, Middletown, to recognize a stalwart leader in peacekeeping.

In-person students as well as invited guests, faculty and board members attended a Global Leaders meeting that paid tribute to Pathways to Peace co-founder, Avon Mattison, who died in October 2021. A Zoom link and Facebook Live stream were provided for classes to attend remotely.

Pathways to Peace began in 1981 as a non-governmental organization (NGO) that partners with MDP Global Leaders, and an official Peace Messenger Organization of the United Nations. Mattison worked with PTP more than 40 years helping initiate the International Day of Peace on Sept. 21. Recently MDP was sent the United Nations flag that hung in Mattison’s office, given to her by the U.N. for her many years of service. The flag was unveiled during the meeting in her honor.

“Avon over the past seven years has served as an inspirational mentor to numerous Mater Dei Prep students,” said George S. Anthony, MDP Global Leader moderator. “Some of our students have gone on to officer positions within the United Nations and PTP governing board or peace advocates.”

Speakers for the event included Ibrahim Sharif, former director of the Martin Luther King Commission; New Jersey Superior Court Judge Daniel D’Alessandro; Jodi O’Donnell, ALS advocate; MDP Global Leader students and PTP U.N. representatives. Topics discussed included social media, non-nuclear proliferation, Catholic leadership, speaking out against racism and religious persecution and understanding rule of law.

“They were overwhelmed by positivity, hope and passion by voices they felt were authentic and truthful,” Anthony said of the students’ response.

“Students also conducted a private interview with Sharif to learn about his civil and human rights journey, as well as that of Edith Savage Jennings – a New Jersey civil rights icon who worked with more than 12 U.S. presidents,” he noted.

The MDP Global Leaders program is designed “to provide students with the skills and the tools to build stronger and safer communities where dialogue is encourages and solutions are explored and implemented,” explained Anthony, who is also a PTP primary representative.

Freshman Emani Resto found the flag unveiling “heartwarming and inspiring. I loved [being] close up with some of the most amazing leaders and hearing their goals and motivations.”

Ad for FH: silvertonElliana Ferraro, freshman, was impressed by Mattison’s legacy. “It showed me how much Avon made a difference to the world.” Ferraro also took home speaker Lindy Crescitelli’s advice to “listen to what people have to say. We don’t have to agree with them, but we have to listen and respect them.”

“The beautiful stories [the speakers told] were captivating, exciting, and had a lot of passion poured into them,” said Liam Lugay, sophomore. “Hearing them tell me and my fellow students [how well we spoke] makes me look forward to the actual trips to the United Nations.”

“I liked how Mr. Sharif said he doesn’t watch the news because it’s pointless to … see all the negativity in the world,” said freshman Quinn Casello. “The speakers … reminded us that if we work hard enough, we can be the change we want to see in the world.”

Junior Emma DeBaiase, who knew Mattison as a mentor, said “she strengthened my views on peace and leadership,” adding that thee experience added to her resolve to pursue a career in international relations.

Veronica Bucknor, freshman, was taken aback after Sharif’s moving interview when he shook hands with her and said, “you the quiet one … but the most powerful one.”

“It reminded me that … I can be quiet and change the whole dynamic.”

UN CSW66: PTP has Ten Events to Attend!

March 14-25, 2022

Pathways To Peace (PTP) is offering ten parallel events in NGO CSW66 (Read More».) The diversity of topics and presenters is impressive! The event is free, virtual, and open to the public. CSW66 is offering over 750 virtual events. We hope to see you there!

Register for CSW66

The zoom link for PTP parallel events is: https://zoom.us/j/6091308836

UN CSW66: Pathways To Peace Focus on Nuclear Disarmament

March 17th, 2022

Rinor Jani, PTP Youth Representative to the UN, and representing PTP on the Department of Global Communications (DGC) Youth Steering Committee, has been selected by the DGC to develop and present an event for CSW. “Nuclear Disarmament and Disaster Risk Reduction: Women and Girls in the Lead” will be on March 17th, 2022, at 11:00 AM EST. Here is the link to registration:

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UN Leaders Visit Mater Dei for Flag Unveiling Ceremony

MIDDLETOWN – Mater Dei Prep and the students in its Global Leaders program participated in a United Nations flag unveiling ceremony at the high school Feb. 15. During the event the school accepted a United Nations flag that hung in the office of Pathways to Peace founder and president Avon Mattison, who died in October and served as a mentor to numerous Mater Dei students. The flag symbolizes the unique bond between the United Nations and Mater Dei Prep’s Global Leaders program.

Pathways To Peace is a United Nations nongovernmental organization (NGO). Several dignitaries from the United Nations participated in the ceremony, including Ray Anderson, United Nations representative; Lindy Crescitelli, United Nations representative and chairperson of the Gandhi-King Season for Non-Violence Conference; and Marlenis Rosa, United Nations representative.

Others in attendance included Ibrahim Sharif, former New Jersey Martin Luther King commissioner; Rinor Jani of Albania, a representative of Pathways to Peace to the United Nations and member of the U.N. Department of Global Communications Youth Steering Committee; and retired Judge Daniel D’Alessandro, among others.

Mater Dei’s Global Leaders program partners with the United Nations, with students regularly attending and speaking at U.N. conferences centered on the organization’s Sustainable Development Goals.

MDP students played a prominent role at last summer’s U.N. High Level Political Forum. Pathways To Peace was selected to present “Healing Our World by Healing Ourselves: Lessons Learned through the Pandemic. An Intergenerational Perspective on Advancing Justice, Inclusion and Peace.” Mater Dei students led the conference with their video, “Why Our Voices Matter,” as they expressed their concerns about healing and sustainable solutions. The video amplified the voices of Mater Dei senior Tyler Malik Ismail and sophomores Mary Kate Brew, Dylan Coleman, Oliva Crowe, Abigail O’Sullivan, Mark Paone, Mia Rodriguez, Cathrine Volk and Gianna Wohanka.

During a ceremony Feb. 15, Mater Dei Prep accepted a United Nation’s flag that previously hung in the office of NGO Pathways To Peace. Photo by Wayne Nolan

George Anthony, director of the MDP’s Global Leaders program chaired the event. “Much of what we do here at Mater Dei Prep is a reflection of Avon’s beauty and leadership,” he said.

“This past October, the United Nations and Peace Communities throughout the world lost a true messenger of peace in Pathways To Peace Founder and president Avon Mattison. Over the past seven years, Avon has served as an inspirational mentor to numerous Mater Dei Prep students. Some of our students have gone on to officer positions within the United Nations, serve on the Pathways To Peace governing board and become active Peace Advocates.”

The ceremony included a tribute video to Mattison and a pre-recorded message from Pathways To Peace co-founder Joanie Cardelli and Pathways To Peace executive director Tezikiah Gabriel, student reflections and more.

After having time to reflect on the ceremony, Veronica Bucknor, a Mater Dei Prep freshman, said, “Yesterday, for me, was an experience that I will never forget.”

“The meeting didn’t feel like I was sitting down with a whole bunch of civil and human rights representatives, it felt like I was surrounded by a family,” she said. “One very strong and loving family.”

Bucknor said her favorite part of the event was after the ceremony when she and other students interviewed Sharif. “To be able to sit in his presence was enough, let alone being able to ask him my question. I was almost moved to tears by some of Mr. Sharif’s responses.”

After the interview, Bucknor said Sharif told her something she will never forget. “He shook my hand and said, ‘You the quiet one… but the most powerful one.’ This was in my head the rest of the day because it reminded me that I don’t necessarily have to have the loudest voice in the room. I can be quiet and change the whole dynamic.”

“I did not know Ms. Mattison,” said Kathy McLaughlin, chairman of the MDP board of trustees, at the ceremony. “I read about her accomplishments and I was impressed and inspired and stunned by what she accomplished. I realize that many peacebuilders are mourning her loss. The way I view it – and I hope you will view it – she’s left a living legacy among Mater Dei students and others through her mentorship and inspiration through her Pathways To Peace organization and that’s critically important to us.”

“The messages of the speakers were particularly powerful yesterday,” said freshman Quinn Caselo. They “spoke from the heart,” he said, noting the majority of them agree “the change is in our generation, and that it begins with us younger people. And that has a significant impact be- cause it reminds us that if we work hard enough, we can be the change we want to see in the world.”

Additional reporting by Elizabeth Wulfhorst

This article originally appeared in the Feb. 17-23, 2022 print edition of The Two River Times. Online edition

The Mater Dei Prep Global Institute Shines at Historic Civil Rights “Season for Non-Violence” Conference!

How often do young leaders have the opportunity to share a stage with Civil Rights Icon’s straight out of our history books? Well, last Thursday, March 25th, 2021 students from the Mater Dei Prep Global Institute of Emerging Leaders were presented with this historic occasion!

MDP Global Institute students Emma DeBiase (’23) and Abigail O’Sullivan (’24) had the dual opportunity of serving on The “Season for Non-Violence” Planning Committee and played a vital role as moderators, technology assistants, and structural designers. Cathrine Volk (’24) also assisted with the virtual event. The MDP Student Presentation “Our Voices Matter” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7COYEX94I0 opened the conference and was led by a compelling narrative by MDP student Tyler Malik Ismail (’22). Tyler spoke powerfully about how in order to create change we must see the world through each of our lenses in order to understand our views and how they are impacted. Tyler was followed by fellow Global Institute Leaders Mia Rodriguez (’24), Abigail O’Sullivan (’24), Cathrine Volk (’24), Gianna Wohanka (’24), Oliva Crowe (’24), Garrett Nolan (’24), Mark Paone (’24), and Mary Kate Brew (’24). Each shared how Tyler Malik Ismail’s words impacted their own concerns within their respective communities. The “Season for Non-Violence” Conference honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Mahatma Gandhi. The evening was possible because of the tireless devotion of Co-Chairs Lindy P. Crescitelli and Shawn Denise Landry. The evening conference introduced its audience to Civil Rights Leaders past and present. Speakers included Angeline Butler, Organizer to The Nashville Sit-Ins, James Zwerg “Freedom Rider”, Kings Holland deep south desegregationist, Linda Blackmon Lowery, the youngest marcher on The Edmund Pettis Bridge and author of “Turning 15 On the Road to Freedom”, and Voz Rivers Tony, Emmy and Academy winning producer and Civil Rights activist. Kings Holland spoke powerfully about the role Catholic schools played in his life because they did not adhere to segregationist policies and it allowed him to receive the education for him to attend Fisk University and prepare him for his role in Non Violent Civil Disobedience. Debra Rose, NYC Councilwoman, also presented a powerful message regarding the movement today. The evening presented other Civil Rights legends and performances in music and spoken word from organizations from Japan and Africa. The evening ended with a short viewing of the Broadway production “Turning 15 on The Road to Freedom” and a memorable rendition of Ben E. King “Stand By Me” by well-known New Jersey music artist and UN Representative, Ray Anderson. http://mrray.com/

The following statements by the Mater Dei Prep students expresses their experience of the overall event.

Tyler Malik Ismail – “My statement embodies what I as a conscious Melantated man in this society views on a day-to-day basis. It was an honor to a part of a conference with such powerful activist and human right figures. I would also like to thank Mr. Anthony for selecting me as the lead statement in the presentation. I want to additionally thank my classmates for sending out such powerful messages.”

Emma DeBiase, Pathways to Peace United Nations Delegate and Sophomore United Nations Representative of Mater Dei Prep – “I am truly honored to have had the opportunity to work with Civil Rights Leaders over the past couple of months.  Being able to be in the same Zoom room with them makes me feel like I am a part of something extraordinary. Helping out Mr. Crescitelli and Ms. Landry with technological aspects and being able to help with the overall event is an amazing honor. I would like to thank Mr. Anthony for motivating me to be a part of something great. We are the force that aspires change, we are the change that can make a difference.”

Gianna Wohanka – “Yesterday was a dream that had turned into a reality. If a person came up to me a year ago and told me that my voice would be told to the world and that I would have the opportunity to meet profound individuals that I have only read about in books and watched in movies, I would have never believed them. A year ago, I was the person that lacked the self-confidence to speak my voice and tell the world what I was feeling. Today, I can proudly say the tables have turned and this program has greatly changed me for the better. Mr. Anthony is truly an amazing teacher that will push you to be the best that you can be. This class is not just a quick high school experience, it’s something that will prepare you for the real world. It teaches you how to speak to a crowd, and how to show emotion when you talk, because down the line when you do a profession you will need to speak to your colleagues with emotion and passion. The last couple of months have been an experience that I will never forget.  In the video “Our Voices Matter” I talked about social media platforms and news channels and how they form people’s views. I chose this topic because I think it plays a big part in how people form their views of situations. I feel that there is so much misinformation, malformation and disinformation in our news channels and social media platforms, you truly don’t know what to believe anymore. One thing that I found not only to be true but quite impactful was a saying by one of our Politicians, “it’s not the truth that matters, it’s what people believe because that’s what becomes their reality.”  It really doesn’t matter what the moral of the story is, it matters what they believe because that’s their truth. Seeing the video being played at the conference in front of Lynda Blackmon-Lowery, King Hollands, and Catherine Burks-Brooks, was a very real experience. Their stories were so incredible that they gave me goosebumps. They were so unique and impactful for what is currently going on in our world. This experience has taught me so much and I am beyond grateful. The main thing I learned from this experience is that “when the whole world is silent, one voice becomes powerful” – Malala Yusufzai

Garrett Nolan – “If you asked me a couple years ago if I thought I would ever be a Pathways To Peace United Nations Representative as a freshman in high school, I wouldn’t have believed it. For the past year, I have been afforded the opportunity to work side by side with Civil Rights icons and organizations thanks to Mater Dei Prep’s Global Institute of Emerging Leaders ran by Mr. George Anthony. This program has accomplished numerous tasks and paved the way for me in becoming a Representative for the United Nations. In this program we do things such as U.N. promotional videos, Globe Quest competitions, and various acts of charity. A number of months ago, we started discussing a “Spring Project” to present at the 24th annual “Season for Non-Violence” Conference webinar. The class discussed important topics to address in our presentation and I made the choice to address religious persecution across the globe. This topic was important to me because while thankfully the situation has improved, as an Irish-Catholic, I was well aware of the discrimination we faced throughout history. To say that this video was a long time coming is an understatement, our class labored to improve this presentation and to confirm that it would resonate with hearts and minds everywhere. During the evening of this event, we were able to see our hard work pay off. We presented it at a historic meeting because such icons attended like Angeline Butler, the woman who organized the Nashville lunch counter sit-in, James Zwerg, the man who organized the freedom riders and the integration of schools, and Linda Blackmon-Lowry who was the youngest person to complete the full-length march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama and was part of “Bloody Sunday” on the Edmund Pettus Bridge. When our presentation was started, these leaders were moved and impacted by its message because despite it being sixty years later, our great Nation is still facing such trials and tribulations. I hope that our message continues to be spread around the planet because we all have a responsibility to repair the world.”

Cathrine Volk “When starting the Global Leaders program, I never could have imagined I, a freshman in high school, would be on a planning committee for one the largest Peace Conferences. To be able to work and listen to civil rights icons like Angeline Butler and Catherine Burks-Brooks was unbelievable. I learned their incredible stories in history class and I cannot express what an honor it was to work directly with them. I was given the opportunity to create a video with my classmates to spread our voices across the world. Our words are the most powerful part of us, it’s what people remember. I spoke about different treatment of boys and girls from a very young age. I am just one of billions of girls to face this and one of thousands to talk about it. That does not mean my voice matters less, it means together our voices amplify each other’s. I will continue to use my voice and share mine and other’s stories. This is just the beginning.”

Olivia Crowe – “The filming and writing process took a lot from our own individual experiences, opinions, and ideas. I think the most important thing about filming and writing is you can only write so much on a piece of paper that you need to honestly say what is from the heart. When I was writing I had to sit down and think about what has affected us as humans and I concluded it has to do everything with being on social media and our phones. Especially my generation is affected by it because there is so much toxicity our phones and social media. I think it’s just all about letting your voice be heard because it is needed especially now even if that voice is making your own club, zoom call, or speaking to others that would love to help expand your ideas and grow them!”

Dylan Coleman – “My role in this class was to design a PowerPoint that captured the energy and commitment we all feel in moving the message of peace forward. I had the privilege of creating an origami peace dove in the opening frame that models an organization we work with called “The Peace Crane Project”. The link their website can be found here: https://peacecraneproject.org/. This class is very powerful because I learned that everyone has a voice and you can’t be afraid to express yourself and make it be heard. I experienced being in 3 or 4 videos promoting this program and meeting inspirational individuals like Linda Lowery, Avon Mattison, President of www.pathwaystopeace.org, and so many others. I also gained a voice I never knew I had which I can now use. After COVID, I hope to return to the UN and meet more amazing people and go to many inspiring conferences”.

Mark Paone – “I had the chance of a lifetime and was able to speak in our video “Our Voices Matter” at this conference. This video really gave me the opportunity to emphasize my opinion on some things I think people don’t really pay too much attention to. It also helped me voice my opinion to the United Nations as a whole. Having your own voice is extremely important and now that I got to use it and have had it heard by over 192 countries, I can honestly say I feel really amazing and proud. I couldn’t ask for anything better from this program!”

Abigail O’Sullivan – “I don’t think I could have ever had such an honor to be part of the Season for Non-Violence committee. I was able to talk to Mrs. Marion Fuson who is a 101-year-old Civil Rights leader and an inspiration to all of us. It was an evening I will never forget. I truly felt I was walking side by side with these living legends I have only read about in our history books. I look forward to joining them again next year moving their message forward.”

Evangelia Ameno-Cataudella – “These past couples of weeks that we all spent working on the Spring Project was definitely a great experience. Between planning everyone’s role, to writing PowerPoints, all the way to figuring out the right words to make an impact in someone else’s life, it turned out amazing. A few of my Peers and I got to put a PowerPoint together introducing our class and the amazing things past generations have done throughout the years. It was presented across our school and to many other people to invite them to join in our movement. If you believe in yourself, anything is possible. At this conference, my class had the opportunity to show the video they all prepared. It was showed to so many amazing people around the world on this historic event. All the different speakers and words used were amazing, the words especially by Lynda Lowery were beyond incredible. They definitely made an impact. Just know, as long as you have a voice, you have the power to change the world!”

Mary Kate Brew – “There is a field beyond all notions of right and wrong. Come, meet me there”. I never would’ve thought I’d be quoting Rumi, but there I was. I had the opportunity of closing out this year’s Spring Project video. I had the chance to make a change, and speak potent words in front of people who matter. In this class, I’m learning to find my voice and knowing that others will be impacted by the message I’m trying to convey. The message in this film is, in order to repair the world, we have to move our hearts and our minds to a place of peace; a safe place where we can all be heard.”

Mia Rodriguez sums up this extraordinary experience with these words. “As Gandhi once said, “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” While growing up in our society I have learned that the world has become too accustomed to the injustices and hatred of our communities. But I refuse to become just another number in the grand scheme of things. I am not a demographic. My life isn’t destined to become another tragedy. We must learn how to fight against these things. As a woman of color myself, I have always wanted to speak my truth when it comes to the racial injustices all around us. Mr. Anthony gave me a platform to share not only just my story but the stories of those who can’t speak for themselves. In our film “Our Voices Matter” I spoke about the importance of recognizing the racism people today still have to face. As I mentioned in our film racism truly isn’t a thing of the past. That’s evident in the fact that we are still referred to as the “minority.” Why is that? Don’t you think it’s strange that we are still referred to as a word that separates us from others? Racism is so deeply rooted in the world we live in that we don’t even realize small things like that impact our daily lives. This is why it’s so important to teach our generations that our voices matter. Our society shouldn’t care how old or young you are, we are all profound thinkers that deserve to be heard. As a student of Mater Dei Prep’s Global Leaders class, we are taught how important our voices truly are and that’s the message we wanted to share throughout our film. We wanted to provoke thoughts and questions within our viewers about the world we live in and that’s a goal I feel we achieved. My journey is not anywhere close to an end and I owe it all to Mr. Anthony for this opportunity. In my life I intend to use my voice to fight against the things we pretend not to see. I will use my voice to make a difference… will you?”

Lindy P. Crescitelli, Co Chair and Organizer of The Season for Non-Violence Conference, stated “Emma and Abigail played essential roles in the Intergenerational Planning & Organizing Committees of The Institute For International Leadership, Nonviolence & Service: LEARN LEAD SERVE INC. 24th Annual Gandhi-King Season For Nonviolence.  In addition to many other things, Emma served as one of our Technical Directors and Abigail helped head up The Global Leader Institutes contributions to The Annual Flags of The World/May Peace Prevail On Earth Ceremony, which this year was truly Global including videos sent in from places like Japan and many African Countries.”

George Anthony stated “The Global Institute at Mater Dei Prep strives to connect our students with partner organizations such as www.gandhikingsfn.com and  www.pathwaystopeace.org in order to provide our students with every opportunity to create the change they wish to be in the world. I truly believe our students can provide the solution to heal the world if we just offer them the skills and the platforms to do so! Mater Dei Prep continues to take the lead in building better communities for all!”

To view the historic conference please visit www.gandhikingsfn.com

For additional information please visit www.materdeiprep.org or contact George Anthony at [email protected]

 

Originally posted: https://www.materdeiprep.org/apps/news/article/1414813?fbclid=IwAR0eUO1q0pqYOMTtQEd_WUNNWaXVo-ESz9b4m66PGOAiOxH3Ct7-cdGdSMQ

Mater Dei Prep Global Institute Students Attend “A Pandemic of Misinformation” Virtual Conference

Mater Dei Prep students Abby O’Sullivan (MDP ’24), Garret Nolan (MDP ’24), Catherine Volk (MDP ’24), and Alyssa Drach (MDP ’24) attended an International Conference as student representatives of The MDP Global Institute and UN NGO Pathways To Peace on addressing “A Pandemic of Misinformation”, combatting variations of COVID-19 dangers and responses. Students from MDP participated virtually with an international panel of experts.

In this age of COVID-19, the rapid spread of misinformation may be as dangerous as the virus itself. International experts examined and shared with students why people believe and spread misinformation. They offered techniques and resources to help students (and educators) recognize “red flags” of misinformation (“fake news”). A Student Panel at the conference directed special attention to social media. Participants heard from UN communications professionals about special initiatives underway to stem the spread of misinformation and were informed on how educators and students can participate in this effort.

Speakers included:

Some of the topics discussed were:

  • Click-Bait: Internet content, whose main purpose is to attract attention and encourage visitors to click on a link to a particular web page.
  • Disinformation: Deliberate distortion of information intended to deceive public opinion.
  • Fake News: What was once called ‘yellow journalism’ – news stories that have no factual basis, but are presented as fact; propaganda or hoaxes spread via traditional news media or social media. It can also be used to discredit anything that seems hostile to someone’s specific agenda.
  • Misinformation: Incorrect information of any kind, whatever the intention or source.
  • Synthetic Media: The attempt to create a fake news site that closely and deceptively resembles a real or well-known one

Mater Dei Prep students shared their views:

Garrett Nolan, “I had the opportunity to attend a webinar hosted by the United Nations about “digital literacy” and fact-checking what you read and post on the internet. It is important to make sure something is true before you post it. Not only is the internet ‘eternal’, but anyone around the globe could see it. When you post something that is a lie, many people will still believe it. The past year has, at the very least, been trying for this country and the world. We have seen a frightening amount of biased news sources ‘spinning’ the truth to suit their target audience or sponsors. One must make sure that something is true and factual before posting it for the world to see on the internet.”

Abigail O’Sullivan, “The webinar on misinformation during the COVID-19 outbreak was extremely useful in helping me learn how to stop the spread of wrong information. One individual talked about the 5 C’s: Critical thinking, contexts, credibility, construction, contribution, and comparison. They explained this concept of the 5 C’s is to inform us to watch what we repost and how we interpret information.”

Catherine Volk, “I thought presentation was very interesting and informative. The Verified program initiated by The United Nations to “fact check” information and web sites (sites and not ‘bots’) was very interesting. I am excited to see what happens with the 2021 year of recovery, and I believe the different programs will help many people. I also am hopeful that more programs to help teachers and students combat misinformation are made available to more schools. Overall, I enjoyed to presentation and thought it was quite useful.”

Alyssa Drach, “This meeting gave me some more knowledge about how everyone else is reacting to the pandemic. The International Panel of Speakers that I found to be the most interesting were the students. I can relate to them since I am a student as well. It reminded me how important it is to follow the science and the guidelines. We will not be able to fight COVID-19 if we don’t work together.”

George Anthony, Director of The MDP Global Institute, welcomed the student participation. “I think it is vital that students utilize critical thinking skills and acknowledge the various forms of media manipulation that seeks to confuse, divide and misinform societies in an effort to create cultural and systemic divisions. Knowledge, information and science will assist towards the working together, where we all can benefit in finding solutions towards safer and informed societies. Our students will take the ‘tools’ they gather from these conferences and classroom lessons and apply them toward their own communities locally and globally. They are, in my mind, tomorrow’s leaders, emerging!”

Mater Dei Prep’s DeBiase Virtually Attends United Nations World Youth Skills Day Conference

Tezikiah Gabriel, Executive Director of Pathways To Peace and Emma DeBiase

Tezikiah Gabriel, Executive Director of Pathways To Peace and Emma DeBiase

MIDDLETOWN — On July 15, Mater Dei Prep (MDP) student Emma DeBiase, (MDP ‘23) attended The United Nations World Youth Skills Day Conference virtually. Emma was attending as a High School Representative for UN NGO Pathways to Peace and as a student leader in The Mater Dei Prep Global Leaders Program.

Her platform was to connect with other UN Global Representatives and student leaders and look for opportunities to discuss our MDP Educational Tool Kit and our campaign with “The Peace Traveler” initiative called #mymaskisforyou. This campaign encourages “teaching the conversation in peace building and mask protection as an action.”

View the campaign on the school’s website in their news section.

Emma was able to interact and learn from numerous global speakers such as Columbia’s First Lady H.E. Maria Juliana. The First Lady of Columbia spoke of how we need to think about the three “E’s”, “Entrepreneurship, Education, and Employ.” UN Rep David Bungallon of the Philippines, as well as other diplomats and representatives from UNESCO, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia all were in attendance. All representatives addressed how the youth will be the source of new technology and how we need to work together to reshape the education of MDP students.

Emma contributed to the conference by submitting a question regarding the success of youth and what organizations would participate. The question/statement centered on, “To create a sustainable change, the youth must be able to own and initiate their skills into our communities. With the support by organizations such as the UN and other local organizations, what do you recommend that would create opportunities for success?”

Emma came away from the meeting by feeling incredibly lucky to be a part of something bigger than herself. She looks forward to using the lessons she learned in building more peaceful and sustainable societies

That afternoon Emma, a Matawan resident, attended her second UN Meeting. She participated in a Pathways to Peace Executive committee meeting with Tezikiah Gabriel, Executive Director of PTP; Deborah Green, Founder of Peace
Traveler and George Anthony, Head of the MDP Global Leaders program.

The meeting focused on the Mater Dei Prep Global Leaders Campaign #mymaskisforyou. Deborah spoke about the professionalism of working with Alexis Lombardo (MDP ‘21) in editing the #mymaskisforyou YouTube video. Deborah will be using segments of the video featuring Mater Dei Prep Global Leaders to spread a global message that in wearing a mask people are Peace Building in action by committing a caring act. The Trenton Monitor Diocesan News Magazine will be featuring the MDP #mymaskisforyou project. The article was written by MDP Alumnus John Spinelli.

Chiara Del Cogliano, MDP Faculty member, will be attending an upcoming UN High Level Commission on The Status of Women Conference on Gender Equality as a UN CSW64 Stakeholder. The Conference is scheduled for tomorrow, July 21.

To view the conference, please go to www.unweb.tv.org

The Global Leaders Program continues to build platforms for peace and leadership and looks forward to developing a new cadre of students for the coming year.

Originally Posted

Initiated in 1978 and incorporated in 1983, Pathways To Peace (PTP) is a UN-designated Peace Messenger Organization, has Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), and the Department of Global Communications (GDC).

PTP is a tax-exempt, Social Profit, Non-partisan 501(c)(3) Corporation, (tax-exempt ID# 68-0015625).

Pathways To Peace (PTP) is an international Peacebuilding, educational, and consulting organization. For over four decades, PTP has dedicated itself to expanding the understanding and expression of Peace, fostering Peacebuilders and Peacebuilding activities, and building an integral movement for a Culture of Peace.

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Mailing Address:
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c/o Tezikiah (Tez) Gabriel, Executive Director
122 Demont Ave E, #173
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Copyright © 2024 Pathways To Peace All rights reserved. Pathways To Peace (PTP) is a designated UN Peace Messenger Organization in Consultative Status with ECOSOC.